Abstract

This code covers the welding requirements for AASHTO welded highway bridges made from carbon and low-alloy constructional steels. This 2002 edition contains dimensions in metric SI Units and U.S. Customary Units. Sections 1 through 7 constitute a body of rules for the regulation of welding in steel construction. Section 9 of the previous edition has had its provisions distributed throughout the 2002 edition. Sections 8, 10, and 11 do not contain provisions, as their analogue D1.1 sections are not applicable to the D1.5 Code. Section 12 contains the requirements for fabricating fracture critical members.

Application

This code covers welding fabrication requirements applicable to welded highway bridges. It is to be used in conjunction with the AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway Bridges or the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications.

The code is not intended to be used for the following:

(1) Steels with a minimum specified yield strength greater than 690 MPa [100 ksi]

(2) Pressure vessels or pressure piping

(3) Base metals other than carbon or low alloy steels

(4) Structures composed of structural tubing

Fabrication of structures or components not specifically addressed by this code shall be performed in conformance with the special provisions of the contract or in conformance with the written directives of the Engineer who may choose to reference an alternate applicable welding standard.

The fundamental premise of the code is to provide general stipulations applicable to any routine bridge situation. Acceptance criteria for production welds different from those described in the code may be used for a particular application, provided they are suitably documented by the proposer and approved by the Engineer.

Such alternate acceptance criteria may be based upon evaluation of suitability for service using past experience, experimental evidence, or engineering analysis considering material type, service load effects, and environmental factors.